Ageing water pipes could threaten the Canadian Grand Prix, according to a report by Montreal city auditor Jacques Bergeron.

A report summary published in the Montreal Gazette said much of the water system on the man-made Il Notre Dame Island dates back to the mid-1960s, when it was built for Expo 67. It is now the site of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which will host next month's round of the 2010 world championship.

The audit report said there have been 32 water pipe breaks between 2003 and 2008 and a "rupture ... could jeopardise the Formula One event".

In other Canadian Grand Prix news, the race's new promoter Francois Dumontier has admitted the event has not attracted a title sponsor for 2010. La Presse estimates the financial shortfall at $4-5 million and quotes him as saying big companies in the country and region should "look more closely at this wonderful event".

However, Dumontier said ticket sales are up 12% on the last Canadian Grand Prix in 2008.